The Meaninglessness of "I'm Sorry."

[retsambeW]

I remember when I was a teen, that my pastor used to tell us if someone was hurt at us, and we were not sure the reason, we should go to them and say something like, "If I have said or done anything to hurt you, please forgive me."

Hogwash.

Do you have any idea how many times I have heard the "if" deal?

What do you mean, "if"?

I have replied to many an insincere apology by saying, You know whether or not you hurt me. What do you mean if?

I realize that some are truly repentant, and some actuallly did not know. But there is a certain...tone...that comes with insincerity.

If.

Hogwash.

[stmatthew]

Originally Posted by dizzyde

I knew that one was coming, just waiting to see who would be the smart alec!!

Is it I??????????????????

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by stmatthew

Is it I??????????????????

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by retsambeW

I remember when I was a teen, that my pastor used to tell us if someone was hurt at us, and we were not sure the reason, we should go to them and say something like, "If I have said or done anything to hurt you, please forgive me."

Hogwash.

Do you have any idea how many times I have heard the "if" deal?

What do you mean, "if"?

I have replied to many an insincere apology by saying, You know whether or not you hurt me. What do you mean if?

I realize that some are truly repentant, and some actuallly did not know. But there is a certain...tone...that comes with insincerity.

If.

Hogwash.

I agree. And, sometimes they are only sorry they got caught - not for what they did - lol!

[Timmy]

Originally Posted by Timmy

God doesn't forgive us, unless we repent (apologize), right? Why would he expect us to? Also, consider:

Luke 17:3 Take heed to yourselves: If thy brother trespass against thee, rebuke him; and if he repent, forgive him.

(Just throwing it out for discussion!)

Thoughts, anyone?

[StillStanding]

A true apology starts with "I was wrong for............".

You must show responsibility for the wrong!

[rgcraig]

Originally Posted by Timmy

Thoughts, anyone?

I agree "if he repents" - - but, sometimes just saying "I'm sorry" if not said with sincerity is hollow.

[dizzyde]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

I agree "if he repents" - - but, sometimes just saying "I'm sorry" if not said with sincerity is hollow.

True!

Real repentance involves change, whether of the heart, or of actions.

It is very easy to say "sorry" to get someone off your back, but unless it is done with sincerity, IMO it is worthless.

[Sister Alvear]

So many times they are just sorry they got caught and their sins caught up with them. You can usually tell if the I am sorry is real or fake...it is usually fake if they have something to gain by saying their sorry words...

[Sister Alvear]

I remember a message I preached on insincere repentance.